…and that means so are allergies. Seasonal allergies affect millions of people every year, but did you know that they can also affect oral health?
Why Do We Get Seasonal Allergies?
While
there are plenty of allergens that can make us sneeze year round, such
as dust and pet dander, seasonal allergies typically flare up twice a year: in the spring and the fall.
This can mean long months of congestion, an itchy nose, mouth, eyes, or
throat, puffy eyes, sneezing, and coughing for people with allergies.
The
reason our allergies act up the most during spring and fall is that
trees and grass pollinate throughout the spring, while ragweed
pollinates in the fall. Mold will also send out spores around the same
time. Allergic reactions, including seasonal allergies, are the result
of our immune systems going into overdrive in response to these allergens
Allergies Versus Oral Health
While
allergies can result in tingly or swollen lips, mouth, or tongue and
irritated gums, the most common way seasonal allergies can become a
problem for oral health is dry mouth.
Whenever we have congestion, we end up breathing through our mouths
instead of our noses, which dries up our saliva. Having dry mouth
presents a serious threat to oral health, because saliva is the mouth’s
first line of defense against gum disease and tooth decay.
Prevention And Treatment
Because
many allergens are airborne, avoiding allergic reactions can be
difficult, but there are a few things you can do. It’s best to stay indoors on extra windy days when
the most allergens are in the air. You should also wear a pollen mask
while doing yard work, and avoid using window fans that could blow
pollen and spores into your house.
If you do end up having an allergy attack, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and chew sugar-free gum to
stimulate your salivary glands, and keep up your daily brushing and
flossing routine. Make sure you also take the anti-allergy medications
your doctor or allergist recommends to minimize your congestion.
Fighting Back Against Allergies Together!
If
you’re experiencing dry mouth, whether as a side-effect of seasonal
allergies or for any other reason, don’t hesitate to come see us! Your
oral health is our top priority, and together we can come up with a plan
to keep your mouth healthy until the allergies end and beyond!
Thank you for putting your trust in The Dental Touch!